what does it mean when a dashboard light comes on?

Whether you're driving an older car or a brand new one, the dashboard lights can be confusing and even a bit scary. Whether it's a check engine light, oil warning light, or any other type of light that pops up, it's important to know what they mean and what you should do when they appear.

When the dashboard lights come on in your vehicle and stay illuminated, it usually means that something is wrong and needs to be checked out. It could signal a problem with the engine, electrical system, emissions control system, brakes, or some other part of the vehicle. Ultimately, your dashboard lights are meant to alert you that something needs to be addressed in order to maintain the safe operation of your vehicle.

However, not all dashboard warning lights are indicative of a major issue. In some cases it could simply be an indicator that there is an issue with something in need of preventive maintenance — like needing regular oil changes — or perhaps even signaling something as simple as having the gas cap open or closed properly. In these instances the light may turn off after you make the appropriate adjustment (like replacing the gas cap) and may require no further action on your part.

If any of your dashboard warning lights remain illuminated even after adjusting whatever has been signaled out after taking care of the issue you noticed initially (like replacing your gas cap), then it is time to take your car into a qualified service center so they can verify what has triggered them to be illuminated. This can help with diagnosing any serious issues that may need attention before turning into major problems later on down the road (literally).